LYON, FRANCE

Why Should I Go?

When the hustle and bustle (and the prices) of Paris start to overwhelm you Lyon is the perfect escape. Only two hours by train from that famous capital, Lyon makes you really feel like you’re in France. After all isn't this why you traveled to France in the first place, to feel like you're actually there?

Everyone you will meet is friendly, the wine is ever-flowing and you will eat some of the best and most delicious food of your life. The food no doubt is the main attraction this smaller city - especially when the most Michelin starred restaurants per capita are located here.

What You Can Do…

Lyon is a place where you should get out on your feet - walk around or grab one of the hundreds of Vélo'v bikes available for rent. The Parc des berges du Rhône runs along the Eastern river which crosses through the city center, and features a handful of bridges, bike paths and riverside bars with terraces. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to hang out during the day and on warmer evenings to watch those sunsets across Lyon's epic skies.

Vieux Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an easy place to get lost amongst the cobblestones back into the Renaissance era. If experiencing one of those famed Michelin starred restaurants is on your list then make a reservation to pop into Jérémy Galvan (29 Rue du Bœuf, 69005 Lyon) for an affordable multi-course meal you'll never forget.

One of the best things to do in the evening is to visit one of the city's many bars that feature terraces. This is a favorite past time of the French - to relax out in the warm evening air, drink in hand. Whatever your scene you can be sure to find some to your liking as there are cocktail bars, wine bars, brasseries (basically like a pub) and actual pubs.

Restaurant Jérémy GalvanMichelin on a budgetThe food here is seriously on point and everything you could want from a Michelin meal - innovative, interactive, a full sensory experience. One the best parts about it is if you're on a budget the "Interlude" lunch menu will only run € 33!WEBSITE | FACEBOOK

Muses of the OperaDrinks with a viewWho doesn’t love a good rooftop? Surprisingly Lyon doesn’t have many rooftop bars, in fact, this is the only one! Located on the 7th floor of the Opera de Lyon the bar is accessed via the street level elevator. WEBSITE

Parc de la Tête d'orA greenspace you cannot missIf you love the outdoors the 6th arrondissement has got you covered. Not only is this park huge and beautiful it also features a free zoo, rose garden, botanical garden and bike paths on bike paths.

OKKO HotelsLuxury you can actually affordPriding themselves on affordable rooms, the thing that sets OKKO apart, and will make you keep coming back, is their popular “Club” which features a kitchen with snacks and drinks, a business area with computers (and a printer) and daily happy hours.WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

CLOSEST AIRPORTLyon has its own international airport, Saint Exupéry Airport which is about 30 minutes away from the city center. Once arriving you can get to the main part of Lyon a few ways. You can take the Rhône Express tram (the fastest and a more expensive way), iNavette private vans (which is a little bit cheaper), or hiring a car. Or if you're already in Europe you can take the train to one of the two stations in Lyon - Perrache and Part Dieu.

GETTING AROUNDWhen you are in Lyon there are multiple public transportation options including buses, trams, a four-line metro and two funiculars. I personally think the best way to get around is to walk or bike - the Vélo'v bike share program offers numerous stations throughout the city.

CURRENCYLyon, being in France, uses the Euro. To your wallet's delight expect to see prices 30% lower than they are in Paris - this is a proven fact. To get an idea of exactly what you'll be shelling out check your currency's conversion rate against the Euro HERE.

VISA INFOVisas are typically not required in France if your stay is under 90 days. In terms of your passport, make sure it's valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure. For further information regarding visa information and your specific country check HERE to confirm.